Zero Effort Style
We believe in always looking good, but that doesn’t always mean feeling the need to dress up to do so. Over the years we’ve added enough pieces to our wardrobe to handle “off days” where you just need to throw something together without putting too much thought and effort into it. So in light of the holiday season, we’re going to take it easy in this week’s newsletter and tell you how to take it easy and still look good.
Marvin's Take
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I once told myself I’d be (at least somewhat) happy with my wardrobe when I got it to the point where I had no “bad outfits”. While my wardrobe may not be quite where I want it, it’s closer than it’s ever been. So, nowadays, when I snooze a few times too many and need to just grab something to wear, I have easy options that don’t suck.
Quite often, I find myself needing to quickly grab something such as a simple graphic sweatshirt I picked up from H&M, some classic dark blue selvedge jeans, my favorite sneaks of the moment, with my typical accessories and keep it moving. And I keep a collection of henleys, long-sleeve tees, and non-collegiate style hoodies on hand – this Superdry flannel hoodie (pictured) is one of my favorites, right now.
As for accessories, I have a watch, bracelet and [sometimes] necklace that I wear on a near-daily basis. These I don’t even have to think about. And just so we’re clear: casual can still be stylish. Just this past Friday, I met some friends for drinks. While the typical male customer was in suits, or at least blazers, I was there in a western-style button-up with a red henley rolled underneath, dark blue jeans, and my bright red Adidas. A fellow female style blogger complimented me on how well I pulled off the casual look and owned it. Even lamenting at what she thought was her own inability to do so.
John's Take
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For as much as I love to dial up a suit, accessorize and attempt to be the best dressed man in the room, I truly love dressing way down. Having a busy lifestyle along with 2 kids, there are way too many instances where I just need to throw something on in a rush and get out of the house.
My favorite shirt in my closet is a grey henley from Save Khaki (pictured). Had I known that I’d love it so much when I first bought it, I would have bought 10 of them. It’s my go to shirt when I need to “throw something on” quickly and get moving. It’s fancy enough to wear for a night out on the town, or if I need to run an errand and pair it with some jeans and sneakers.
Henley’s are the perfect item for keeping casual but still looking good. If you’re ever in need of a new shirt, and not sure what direction to go in, buy a henley. You can never have too many, and they come in a variety of different styles. There are many ways you can wear a henley; over a tee shirt, under a button up, or all by itself with the sleeves rolled up if the weather is accommodating. I opt for all 3 depending on the situation.
I’m also a fan of plain hoodies or sweatshirts. My favorite hoodie is from American Giant, touted as the best hoodie ever made. It’s another good option if I need to throw something on, or if I’m sitting on the couch in sweat pants. I also like to wear a slim zip up hoodie over either a t-shirt or casual button down.
On the rare occasion that I don’t feel like wearing loafers, I have a trusty pair of the Asics Onitsuka Tiger Rotation 77 Fashion Sneakers. They look great, very comfortable, and perfect for dressing down.
Inspiration
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Sweatpants and joggers can be stylish too.
Henley’s will never fail you.
Sneakers, when all other options are too much.
Sometimes, a solid sweatshirt is all you need.